COVID19: Bamasaba Cultural Circumcision Hangs in Balance

Francis Nagimesi, the Prime Minister Inzu Ya Masaba says should the current situation continue they will have no choice but to cancel the celebrations since they can’t go against the corona virus preventive guidelines.

Audio 3

The bi-annual Bamasaba cultural circumcision
hangs in balance because of the COVID19 pandemic.

The official launch of the circumcision calendar,
which is organised by Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution, attracts thousands
of people from different parts of Bugisu, Kenya and the entire world.

This year’s launch is scheduled to take place
in August. However, it is unclear whether or not the ceremonies will be held
because of the government ban on the public gatherings.

Francis Nagimesi, the Prime Minister Inzu Ya
Masaba says should the current situation continue they will have no choice but
to cancel the celebrations since they can’t go against the corona virus preventive
guidelines.

//Cue in: “If Covid19 continues…

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He revealed that this wouldn’t be the first time the cultural circumcision alias Imbalu year will be
cancelled, saying the same happened in 1919 due to the hanger crisis that had hit
the country and that is how circumcision turned to an even year.

//Cue in: “But also in the…

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He says that as Bamasaba they are equally
concerned about the COVID19 pandemic in Uganda and Kenya because Bamasaba
occupy both Kenya and Uganda.

“As Inzu Ya Masaba we have also set a task
force headed the Disaster preparedness Minister to work with district
authorities to implement the president’s directive and look at how things are
moving such that they advise,” he said.

Nagimesi says that by now they would be holding
preparatory and mobilisation meetings for the event in August but they cannot
because of the ban on public gatherings and social distancing to prevent the
spread of the disease.

He also there are certain rituals that are
supposed to be done during this time before the day of the launch.

Francis Nabutayi, the Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Umukuka’s
Office, says they have suspended all planning meetings for the cultural event
and the election of a new cultural leader.